Summer Travel

Summer Travel and Spinal Health: How to Stay Aligned on the Go

Summer is travel season—family road trips, beach vacations, cross-country flights. While getting away is good for the soul, it can be tough on your spine. Long hours sitting in cars, hauling luggage, and sleeping in unfamiliar beds all put extra stress on your body. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help you stay comfortable and aligned before, during, and after your trip.

Let’s start with the ride itself. Whether you’re flying or driving, sitting for long periods can lead to stiffness, poor posture, and back or neck pain. When you’re in one position too long—especially in cramped or awkward seats—your spine and supporting muscles start to compress and tighten. This makes it easier for misalignments to occur, especially in the lower back and neck.

To help minimize discomfort while traveling, take breaks to stretch and move. On road trips, stop every hour or two to walk around. On flights, stand up and stretch when you can. Support your lower back with a small pillow or rolled-up towel, and keep your shoulders relaxed. If you’re carrying luggage, avoid slinging heavy bags over one shoulder—use a backpack or rolling suitcase instead.

Once you arrive, a new mattress or pillow can also throw off your spinal alignment. If you wake up feeling stiff, it’s often your body reacting to an unfamiliar sleep setup. A quick chiropractic tune-up after your trip can help restore balance, relieve tension, and support your recovery from travel-related strain.

Better yet, get adjusted before you leave. A pre-trip visit to Dr. Lind can help prepare your body for the stress of travel. You’ll move better, sleep better, and reduce your risk of pain ruining your vacation.

Travel should leave you refreshed—not sore. With regular chiropractic care, your body stays aligned and resilient no matter where your summer takes you.

Going away this summer? Make sure your spine is ready. Schedule your pre- or post-travel adjustment.

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